Kiln question

[fi79]

Hi!

Sorry if this isn't in the right place - feel free to move it!

I'm on the verge of buying a kiln for firing PMC (looking at the Paragon SC2). I'm just wondering what else I need to buy at the same time. Gloves are a given - but what kind are best? I'm also getting an additonal shelf and posts so I can stack. But I also keep seeing reference to kiln wash - what is this and what is it for? Do I need it? If I don't know what this is am I really ready to buy a kiln? Do I need anything else?

Agh - so many questions! Help!

[caroleallen]

What are you planning to use it for?

[caroleallen]

Oh sorry. Just noticed you said PMC. I'm sure a PMC expert will be along to help soon.

[Di Sandland]

Okay - I'm just waiting for my Paragon SC2 to be delivered.

AS far as I understand it, kiln wash is for when you're doing enamelling and stuff. Its to stop stuff sticking to the kiln walls and floor, which doesn't happen with metal clay.

[MuranoSilver]

You don't really need gloves unless you're doing enamelling. PMC is put in cold and you take it out when the kiln has cooled down. The temp inside is on the display at the front.
If there aren't any stones etc and it's plain PMC then I sometimes lift the pieces out while the kiln is still quite hot. I do this using a largish enamelling fork. (Two prongs on a long metal rod with a wooden handle.)
If you're going to do this then putting a heat proof surface at the front of your kiln wouldn't be a bad idea. I use thin firing blocks that you'd do torch firing on..
The posts are put at the corners of the firing shelf allowing you to slide the shelves in and out. Though waiting is just as easy.

If you have a lovely SC2 it probably won't be long before you're trying enamel on PMC (the two work really well together)
If you want to do bronze clay etc then you'd need the firing pan and carbon (available from PMC suppliers)

Hope that helps
Nic x

[Di Sandland]

If you have a lovely SC2 it probably won't be long before you're trying enamel on PMC (the two work really well together

And guess who couldn't resist stocking up with some gorgeous enamels!